Texas Senate Bill SB1646

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 5/1/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/6/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/18/09
• Voted on by House: 5/26/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/29/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the creation of the Council on Children and Families.

Impact

The creation of this council represents a significant shift in the way the state approaches services for children and families. By centralizing various agencies' efforts, the bill intends to streamline processes and reduce barriers that families may face in accessing support. The council's duties include developing joint legislative requests, identifying funding opportunities, and promoting methods that prioritize the well-being of children and families. Overall, the bill is likely to create a more integrated service delivery model across health and education sectors, enhancing the state's ability to meet the needs of vulnerable populations.

Summary

Senate Bill 1646, titled 'An Act Relating to the Creation of the Council on Children and Families', aims to enhance the coordination of state systems pertaining to health, education, and human services. The bill establishes the Council on Children and Families to ensure that all children and their families have access to necessary services. The council is composed of multiple state commissioners and is structured for collaboration among various human service sectors, allowing for a focused approach to the needs of children and families in Texas.

Contention

While the bill has been generally regarded as a positive step towards improving services for families, some concerns have emerged regarding the effective implementation and accountability of the council. There are questions about how the council will interact with existing agencies and whether it can maintain sufficient independence from bureaucratic constraints. Additionally, the sunset provision included in the bill introduces a potential risk, as the council could be dissolved if not continued, which raises questions about the long-term commitment to this initiative. Stakeholders will need to monitor the council's effectiveness and advocate for sustained support to ensure that its benefits are realized.